A community celebration turned tense Friday night when a 2-year-old child began choking during a church fall festival in Franklin.
Sgt. Ashleigh Wilson, who was directing traffic outside the event, heard frantic cries from the crowd — “There’s a child over here choking!” — and immediately rushed toward the commotion.
Wilson was joined by Christian Wiggins, a former Franklin Fire Department firefighter. Together, they worked swiftly to dislodge the obstruction, successfully reviving the toddler as the child’s cries echoed through the air — a powerful sign of relief for everyone nearby.
For Sgt. Wilson, the life-saving response was not unfamiliar. In January 2024, while providing security at a basketball game, she and her husband, Chad Wilson, performed CPR on a referee who had collapsed, helping save his life.
Friday’s incident once again highlighted Sgt. Wilson’s instinctive courage and commitment to service — and the teamwork that made the difference.
“The sound of that child crying was the sound of life,” witnesses said, praising both Wilson and Wiggins for their quick thinking and calm under pressure.
Local officials commended their actions, reminding the community that moments like these underscore the importance of being trained and ready to act.